The Role of UAE-China Tech Cooperation and Its Effects on the UAE’s Procurement of Advanced US Weaponry

Abstract

This research paper focuses on the bilateral cooperation between the UAE and China in advanced technology research and development and, in connection, the UAE's ability to procure advanced weaponry systems from the US. The UAE is currently engaged in strategic hedging with China and hopes to cooperate on new and critical technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI). However, the UAE also relies on the US security umbrella and the procurement of US advanced weaponry such as fighter jets to protect it from powerful adversaries in the Gulf. This thesis examines the extent and significance of China-UAE technical cooperation and how this may negatively affect the UAE's ability to procure advanced weaponry from the US. Understanding the types of UAE-China cooperation in fields such as AI and ICT and how this may negatively affect the UAE's ability to purchase advanced American weaponry is critical because of threats associated with the UAE's regional security complex. This thesis will concurrently seek to find answers to measure the effect of China-UAE technical cooperation on the UAE's ability to procure advanced weaponry from the US. In providing a complete picture of UAE-China cooperation in this area, this thesis looks at whether the procurement of advanced weaponry from the US is desired or better avoided. And in addition, it investigates the future directions of the UAE in terms of technology and advanced weaponry.

Date of Award	Dec 2022
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Brendon Cannon (Supervisor)